Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 as the Collegiate Church of St Matthew, is a masterpiece of stone carving shrouded in mystery. Its interior is a dense tapestry of carved symbols, where biblical scenes, naturalistic figures and enigmatic patterns cover almost every surface. The chapel's 40-year construction period yielded this unique and ornate stonework, which has inspired countless myths and legends. This fascination was only amplified by its feature in “The Da Vinci Code”. After exploring the intricate carvings and their intriguing tales, extend your visit with a peaceful walk through the adjacent Roslin Glen Country Park.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland presents the nation's history and global collections across two architecturally distinct buildings. The modern Museum of Scotland building (opened in 1998) is dedicated to Scottish history, from geological origins to the 20th century. It connects to the original Royal Museum, a Victorian masterpiece with a stunning glass-roofed Grand Gallery housing an eclectic collection of artefacts from world cultures, rare gems of natural history, and numerous science exhibits. Together, they showcase everything from Dolly the Sheep and Ancient Egyptian mummies to the Scottish Maiden — a predecessor to the French guillotine.
Underground Vaults
Beneath Edinburgh’s South Bridge lie a network of 18th-century chambers known as the Underground Vaults. Originally used for storage by bridge merchants, these damp, lightless spaces later descended into slums, illicit taverns, and hideouts for criminals and body snatchers. A one-hour guided tour will lead you through this spooky labyrinth, with costumed guides sharing dark tales of the city’s past inhabitants, from the desperate poor to the infamous Burke and Hare body snatchers.
For daredevils seeking a stronger thrill, the same operator offers themed variations. These include ghost tours focusing on paranormal activity, tales of persecution and witchcraft, or visits to a nearby cemetery, often incorporating displays of historical torture devices.
